What Is Shikimic Acid?
Shikimic acid is a naturally occurring cyclohexene carboxylic acid with the molecular formula C7H10O5, primarily derived from the fruit of Illicium verum (star anise). Recognized globally as a critical pharmaceutical intermediate, shikimic acid has gained significant commercial importance as a precursor in the synthesis of antiviral medications, anti-inflammatory agents, and various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
At The Extract Factory, we produce high-purity shikimic acid through a controlled extraction and purification process designed to meet the rigorous demands of pharmaceutical manufacturers, nutraceutical formulators, and specialty chemical buyers worldwide. Whether you are sourcing shikimic acid for drug synthesis, research applications, or functional ingredient development, our product delivers consistent quality and reliable supply.
Source & Raw Material
The primary botanical source of shikimic acid is the dried fruit of star anise (Illicium verum), a plant native to Southwest China and cultivated extensively across the region. Star anise fruit contains among the highest natural concentrations of shikimic acid found in any plant species — typically ranging from 3% to 7% by dry weight depending on harvest timing, geographic origin, and post-harvest processing.
At The Extract Factory, we source premium-grade star anise from established growing regions in China, where climate and soil conditions are optimal for producing raw material with elevated shikimic acid content. Rigorous incoming raw material inspection ensures that only fruit meeting our quality thresholds enters the production pipeline.
Extraction & Production Process
Shikimic acid is obtained through a water-based or aqueous ethanol extraction methodology, followed by multi-stage purification including crystallization, filtration, and drying. Our production facility utilizes 80% ethanol as the primary extraction solvent — a method that balances extraction efficiency with residual solvent compliance under pharmacopeial standards.
Key process highlights include:
- Controlled extraction parameters to maximize yield while minimizing degradation of the target compound
- Multi-stage filtration and concentration to remove insoluble plant matter and concentrate the active fraction
- Crystallization under controlled temperature and pH to achieve high-purity shikimic acid crystals
- Vacuum drying at low temperatures to preserve product integrity and ensure low moisture content
- Final quality assurance testing on every batch before release
This systematic approach allows us to offer shikimic acid at assay levels of 10% for general-purpose applications and up to 98% for pharmaceutical-grade requirements.
Physical & Chemical Properties
Understanding the physicochemical profile of shikimic acid is essential for formulators and procurement specialists. The table below summarizes the key characteristics of our shikimic acid product:
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Shikimic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxy-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid) |
| Molecular Formula | C₇H₁₀O₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 174.15 g/mol |
| Appearance | Off-white to light brown fine powder |
| Solubility in Water (20°C) | 18 g/100 mL |
| Solubility in Ethanol | Slightly soluble |
| Solubility in Ether | Slightly soluble |
| Solubility in Chloroform / Benzene | Almost insoluble |
| Melting Point | Approximately 185–187°C (with decomposition) |
| pH (1% aqueous solution) | Approximately 2.0–2.5 |
| Bulk Density | 45–65 g/100 mL |
| Grade | Food Grade / Pharmaceutical Intermediate Grade |
| Shelf Life | 2 years when stored in a cool, dry place |
Shikimic acid is a colorless to white acicular crystal in its pure form. The powder format we supply is free-flowing and suitable for direct incorporation into formulations, blending operations, or further chemical synthesis.
Shikimic Acid Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Shikimic (Shikimic Acid — Star Anise Extract) |
| Assay | 10% / 98% (selectable) |
| Appearance | Off-white powder |
| Grade | Food Grade |
| Extract Solvent | Ethanol 80% |
| Storage | 2 years in a cool, dry place |
| Sample Availability | 20 g free sample available upon request |
| Standard Packaging | 25 kg/drum (double-layer PP bag inside cardboard drum) |
Function & Pharmacological Significance
Shikimic acid has attracted sustained interest in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences due to its multifaceted biological activity and its role as a key building block in drug manufacturing.
- Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Activity: Shikimic acid has demonstrated the ability to modulate arachidonic acid metabolism, thereby inhibiting platelet aggregation, arteriovenous thrombosis, and cerebral thrombosis. These properties make it a compound of interest for cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory research applications.
- Antiviral Drug Intermediate: Shikimic acid is the starting material for the synthesis of oseltamivir phosphate (commercially known as Tamiflu®), a widely used neuraminidase inhibitor for influenza treatment. This single application has driven enormous global demand for high-purity shikimic acid.
- Anticancer Drug Precursor: Ongoing research explores shikimic acid derivatives as potential intermediates in the development of novel anticancer agents, particularly those targeting specific enzymatic pathways in tumor biology.
- Functional Ingredient Potential: Beyond pharmaceutical synthesis, shikimic acid is being investigated for incorporation into nutraceutical and functional food formulations targeting immune support and oxidative stress management.
For buyers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and nutraceutical sectors, sourcing a consistent and well-characterized supply of shikimic acid is critical to maintaining production schedules and meeting regulatory expectations.
Industry Applications
Shikimic acid serves a diverse range of industries and end-use categories:
| Application Sector | Use Description |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | Intermediate for synthesis of antiviral (e.g., oseltamivir), anti-inflammatory, and anticancer drug compounds |
| Nutraceutical & Supplement Development | Functional ingredient in immune health and anti-inflammatory dietary supplements |
| Biochemical Research | Reference standard and starting material for academic and industrial R&D programs |
| Fine Chemical & Specialty Synthesis | Building block for custom organic synthesis and derivative development |
| Food & Beverage Innovation | Exploratory use in functional food applications requiring natural-origin bioactive compounds |
Formulators should note that shikimic acid is compatible with standard aqueous and ethanol-based delivery systems. Its moderate water solubility facilitates incorporation into liquid formulations, while its powder form is well-suited for capsule, tablet, and sachet applications.
Quality Control & Product Qualification
At The Extract Factory, quality is not an afterthought — it is embedded in every stage of our operation. With nearly a decade of experience in the plant extract industry, we have developed a comprehensive quality management system that ensures every batch of shikimic acid meets or exceeds customer specifications.
Every production lot undergoes a full suite of analytical testing before release. Below is a representative certificate of analysis (COA) for our shikimic acid product:
| Analysis Item | Specification | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Light brown fine powder | Complies | Visual |
| Odor | Characteristic | Complies | Organoleptic |
| Sieve Analysis | 99% pass 80 mesh | Complies | 80 mesh screen |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 5.0% | 2.75% | 105°C / 3 hrs |
| Bulk Density | 45–65 g/100 mL | 51.9 g/100 mL | — |
| Extract Solvent | Ethanol 80% | Complies | — |
| Heavy Metals | < 20 ppm | Complies | CP2015 / AAS |
| Arsenic (As) | < 2 ppm | Complies | Eur. Pharm. 5 / AAS |
| Residual Solvents | < 2 ppm | Complies | GC |
| Total Plate Count | < 1,000 CFU/g | 142 CFU/g | CP2015 |
| Yeast & Mold | < 100 CFU/g | 38 CFU/g | CP2015 |
| E. coli | Negative | Complies | CP2015 |
| Salmonella | Negative | Complies | CP2015 |
| Assay (Shikimic Acid) | ≥ 98.0% | 99.01% | HPLC |
These results reflect the stringent controls we maintain. Heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial limits are all tested in accordance with recognized pharmacopeial methods (Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2015, European Pharmacopoeia 5), providing confidence to regulated-market buyers.
Why Source Shikimic Acid from The Extract Factory?
Choosing a reliable supplier of shikimic acid is one of the most consequential decisions for pharmaceutical ingredient buyers, contract manufacturers, and international distributors. Here is what sets The Extract Factory apart:
- Nearly 10 Years of Plant Extract Expertise: Our team brings deep technical knowledge of botanical extraction, purification, and quality assurance — not just logistics.
- Traceable Supply Chain: From star anise sourcing through final packaging, every step is documented and auditable.
- Flexible Assay Options: We offer both 10% and 98% assay grades, enabling buyers to select the specification that best fits their application and budget.
- Batch-to-Batch Consistency: Our mature production and QC procedures minimize variability, a critical factor for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical customers.
- Global Shipping Capability: We serve clients across North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond through established logistics channels.
- OEM & Customization Support: We accommodate private-label, custom packaging, and tailored specification requests — contact us to discuss your project.
Packaging, Shipping & Lead Times
We offer flexible packaging and shipping solutions to accommodate orders of all sizes, from R&D quantities to full container loads.
| Cargo Weight | Packaging Detail | Shipping Method | Estimated Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–50 kg | Below 5 kg: foil bag; 5–25 kg: double-layer PP bag inside master carton or cardboard drum | International Express (FedEx / DHL / UPS) | 7–10 days |
| 100–200 kg | 25 kg/drum with double-layer PP bag inside cardboard drum | Air Freight | 7–10 days |
| Over 500 kg | 25 kg/drum with double-layer PP bag inside cardboard drum | Ocean Freight | 20–45 days |
All shipments are accompanied by a certificate of analysis and full documentation to support customs clearance and regulatory compliance in destination markets.
Storage & Handling Recommendations
To preserve the quality and potency of shikimic acid over its 2-year shelf life:
- Store in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to high humidity, which can affect flowability and assay stability.
- Recommended storage temperature: below 25°C; ideally in a climate-controlled warehouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request a free sample of your shikimic acid?
Absolutely. We provide a 20 g free sample to qualified buyers so you can evaluate the product before committing to a larger order. Shipping charges for the sample are payable by the client.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept T/T (bank transfer), credit card, PayPal, Western Union, and other conventional payment methods. Payment terms can be arranged based on order volume and customer relationship.
How does The Extract Factory ensure product quality?
With close to a decade of dedicated experience in the plant extract industry, we have built a mature, multi-tier quality control system. This includes incoming raw material testing, in-process monitoring, and a final pre-shipment inspection on every lot — ensuring that what leaves our facility meets the specifications you expect.
Do you offer OEM or custom packaging services?
Yes. We welcome OEM and private-label orders. Share your requirements with us, and we will provide competitive pricing and prepare samples promptly.
Where can I find technical documentation or a full COA?
Contact us directly with your inquiry, and our technical team will provide the appropriate documentation for your review.
For inquiries, sample requests, or bulk pricing on shikimic acid, reach out to our team at: [email protected]
